Simplifying Home Automation After Loss: Seeking Recommendations for a Gigabit Switch
Hello, everyone!
I hope this post finds you well. Recently, I experienced the unexpected passing of my father, who was an enthusiastic home automation hobbyist. He dedicated a considerable amount of time to outfitting our home using Raspberry Pis, with a strong focus on privacy; he opted not to rely on external servers for security reasons. As a result, I’ve now inherited the responsibility of transitioning the house back to a more traditional setup.
The Challenge
The house is equipped with an intricate network of 36 Ethernet ports located throughout various rooms. The main router is situated downstairs and connects to a server room that resembles a tangled web of cables, containing satellite feeds, television signals, phone lines, and ceiling speakers. It’s quite overwhelming!
At the base of this tapestry is a panel housing the 36 Ethernet ports (I’m unsure of the technical term—let’s call it the “port rack” for now). To ensure connectivity, an Ethernet cable from a switch must be plugged into this rack, providing internet access to any room’s wall port.
View of the current port rack setup.
The server room environment.
An image showcasing the confusion of cabling.
My Objective
My main goal is to streamline this complicated network setup, making it easier for my mother to manage and more appealing to potential buyers. I’m considering purchasing a comprehensive switch with 36 ports to connect directly to the port rack. One option that has caught my eye is the TP-Link TL-SG3452.
Specifications Needed
To achieve this goal, the replacement switch must meet several criteria:
– Gigabit Ethernet Enabled: It should support high-speed connections for optimal performance.
– Plug and Play Capability: The switch ideally operates without extensive configuration, providing a straightforward experience.
– Adequate Ports: Ideally, it should have around 40 ports to allow for future expansion and to connect other networked devices.
If you have any recommendations or insights regarding this switch or alternatives that could help
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